Monitoring Activity with Intelligent Fabrics

ABSTRACT

Textiles coupled with electrical components that are responsive to actions of the wearer and the surrounding environment. The textiles comprise a variety of sensors that interface with the cloud, networks, and devices. The textiles monitor physiological characteristics of the wearer. Objects in the environment may interact with the electrical components of the textiles. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems that include electrical components, such as, accelerometers, gyroscopes, Bluetooth chips, NFC chips, and RF tags integrate with the textiles to wirelessly communicate with networks.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No.9,330,558, which issued on May 3, 2016, entitled “Intelligent Fabrics”,which is incorporated in its entirety herein. U.S. Pat. No. 9,330,558claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/047,684,filed Sep. 9, 2014, entitled “SMARTIE FABRICS”, the entire provisionalpatent application of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to textiles coupled with electricalcomponents which interact with the wearer and the environment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electronics are used to collect data relating to humans in a multitudeof ways. Sensors are embedded in devices worn by humans to aid incollecting data. Many sensors are in wearable devices used to trackfitness metrics of a human. For example, Nike and Ralph Lauren havedeveloped products to track biometrics. Nike has created Nike+ whichemploys a sensor that can be embedded in a shoe, watch, or bracelet tocollect data from human movement. Ralph Lauren has developed Polo Techwhich uses silver fiber sensors woven into the shirt to keep track ofthe wearer's biometrics like heart rate and breathing rate. The shirtalso delves a bit into the psychiatric realm by measuring stats likestress level. All this information is compiled in a “black box” on theshirt equipped with an accelerometer and gyroscope. Data captured in the“black box” is sent to the cloud, where a set of algorithms is used toanalyze it. Once the information is parsed, you can access it live via aspecial mobile application.

Wearables usually involves a single sensor or single cluster of sensorsfor measuring one or more physiological signals. Wearables, such as theRalph Lauren Polo Tech, rely on a pressure force between its sensors andthe skin of the wearer. This force may cause irritation, reduceperformance, cause unexpected problems and be unaesthetically pleasing.Wearable physiological measuring systems may have a tension adjustingdevice which can adjust a pressure force between a physiological sensorand the skin of the user according to different users, and thereby thephysiological signal of the user can be correctly measured. A tensionsystem of the wearable physiological measuring system can control aflexible binding force of the wearable physiological measuring system,however, when the wearable physiological measuring system is applied toa dynamic measurement, the tension system can create a noise or anabnormal signal skewing sensor output. Therefore, a dynamical stableapparatus that is comfortable is needed to accurately monitor motion.

Monitoring motion is not the only function textiles have. Although manywearable sensors are used to capture information relating to biometricsfrom activities, textiles are important to everyone. Textiles serve manyfunctions, for example, protecting skin from harmful UV light andmaintaining a core temperature. Also, textiles can be made to bepersonalized to the wearer. People wear different textiles depending onlifestyle, hobbies, jobs, etc. Using textiles, people signal and expressthings about themselves such as mood, hobbies, status, etc.

Digital or smart textiles describe combining textiles with informationtechnology. This includes the incorporation of digital devices as partof the clothing. Moreover, it may be desired to know when an article ofclothing has been closed, or whether a pocket is open or not. Therefore,a need exists for a method and system of providing interconnectabilityand control of sensors coupled to textiles which are wirelesslyconnected to networks.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of this invention is a method of alerting a user aboutone or more absent items is described where the steps include thecollection of fabric data from one or more fabric sensors, where thesensors are positioned on a fabric. This fabric data from the fabricsensors is sent to a processor that compares the fabric data from thesensors to reference movement patterns stored in the memory that isconnected to the processor. The processor then determines a type ofmovement when the fabric data closely resembles the reference movementpatterns, and then compares the movement to prior movement patterns overtime to determine if the fabric has transitioned from not being worn tobeing worn. If the fabric is now being worn, the processor transmits amessage through a communication subsystem to the one or more items andalerts the user if a response is not received, because one or more ofthe items is missing.

This method of alerting a user about one or more absent items may alsoinclude a memory storage of the position and timestamp from one or morefabric sensors. The Fabric sensors could include an accelerometer and/ora temperature sensor. The communications could be over Bluetooth or NFC.The missing items could include a set of keys, a wallet, or a phone.

Another embodiment of this invention is a method of alerting a user thata phone has been forgotten where fabric data from one or more fabricsensors (where the sensors are attached to the fabric) is collected,said one or more fabric sensors incorporated into a fabric. This fabricdata from the sensors is sent to a fabric processor that is connected toa fabric memory, where the fabric data is compared to reference fabricmovement patterns stored in said fabric memory. The processor determinesa fabric activity when the fabric data from the fabric sensors closelyresembles said reference fabric movement patterns. The reference fabricmovement patterns include a fabric pattern related to fabric sensorvalues found when the fabric is not being worn, and if the fabric isdetermined not to be worn, a message is transmitted through acommunication subsystem to the phone, the message including dataspecifying that the fabric is not worn by said user. The phone thecollects data from one or more phone sensors, and send the phone sensordata from the phone sensors to a phone processor. The phone processorthan compares the phone data from the phone sensors to reference phonemovement patterns stored in said phone memory, using this comparison todetermine a phone activity when said phone data from the phone sensorsclosely resembles said reference phone movement patterns that indicatesthat the phone is stationary. Alerting the user if the fabric is notworn and the phone is stationary.

The method of alerting a user that a phone has been forgotten could useaccelerometers or temperature sensors as the fabric sensors. The phonesensor could be an accelerometer. The communications subsystem couldutilize a Bluetooth or a NFC protocol.

In another embodiment of this invention is an intelligent fabric fordetermining a state of a zipper which includes (1) a processor, (2) amemory connected to the processor, (3) a communications subsystem,connected to the processor for providing data access between theprocessor and a phone, (4) a sensor subsystem, connected to saidprocessor for providing data related to the surrounding environment tothe processor, said sensor subsystem comprising one or more sensors, (5)fabric mechanically connected to said processor, memory, communicationssubsystems, one or more sensors, and sensor subsystem, (6) referencemovement patterns stored in said memory for comparing sensor data inorder to determine movements, wherein the reference movement patternsinclude a pattern related to an unzipped zipper and the referencemovement patterns further include a pattern related to the sensor valuesfound when the fabric is being worn.

In one embodiment of the intelligent fabric for determining a state of azipper the communications subsystem could incorporates a Bluetooth or aNFC protocol. The sensors could detect an open circuit and could beconnected to a zipper. And it could include functionality for alerting auser when the fabric is worn and the zipper is unzipped.

Generally the present invention is directed to a practical as well asadvantageous smart textile, hereinafter “Intelligent Fabrics.”Intelligent Fabrics may include various electrical components, forexample, a processor 201, memory 203, an accelerometer 240, acommunications subsystem 230, a battery 222, a gyroscope 241, abarometer 212, a magnetometer 243, and additional components. It shouldbe appreciated that a battery 222 may supply power to some, or all, ofvarious electronic components of Intelligent Fabrics 200. Memory 203 maycontain reference movement patterns against which a detected movementpattern may be compared to determine whether a detected movement patterncorresponds to an actual target movement. Memory 203 may also be used tostore code executable by a processor 201. A communications subsystem 230may be in communication with a secondary device or other sensor fortransmitting and receiving various wired or wireless signals. Bluetooth231, RF, NFC 232, and WiFi 233 are preferred modes for transmitting andreceiving said wireless signals. Antennas can be woven into the fabricand connected to the communications subsystem for providing wirelesscommunications to the Intelligent Fabrics Device.

In one embodiment, Intelligent Fabrics couples pants with fouraccelerometer subsystems 240 (“MEMS”). A MEMS is fixed in the textileproximal to the outside of: the left knee, the right knee, the bottomright pant leg, the bottom left pant leg. Each MEMS could be attached toa Intelligent Fabrics Device 200. Alternatively, each MEMS couldcomprise a three-axis accelerometer 240, a three-dimension gyroscope241, a processor 201, memory 203, a Bluetooth communications system 230and 231, and a battery 222. The sensors detect movement and relativelocation then output data based on timestamps to provide information tothe user. Sensor identifiers can relay data based on the sensor positionon the textile and the alignment of the sensor. The communicationssubsystem 230 sends data to a secondary device, the cloud, or a server.The data is then processed and compiled in a wearer readable format,such as an application on a phone or similar computing device. Timespent sitting, standing, fidgeting could be stored and displayed on thecomputing device. Number of steps taken and distance traveled could alsobe stored and displayed. The Intelligent Fabrics Device 200 can syncwith a digital calendar to log information regarding the wardrobe of awearer. The wearer can select any given day in the past on the calendarto view what was worn. The calendar can remind the wearer when laundryand dry cleaning needs to be performed, as well as, sync with the closetand hamper of the wearer to know what articles of clothing are clean anddirty.

Intelligent Fabrics may remedy the forgetfulness of a person byproviding for wireless object detection. Sensors within clothing caninteract with objects in the environment. Intelligent Fabrics may detectevents and promotions likely associated with a wearer to signalpromotions and other means of targeted advertising. In accordance withthe present invention, Intelligent Fabrics are provided, whichsubstantially increase the functionalities of traditional articles ofclothing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and itsadvantages, reference is now made to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A illustrates Intelligent Fabrics coupled to pants for determiningthat a person is sitting.

FIG. 1B illustrates Intelligent Fabrics coupled to pants for determiningthat a person is standing.

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic drawing of an Intelligent FabricDevice.

FIG. 3 illustrates Intelligent Fabrics authorized access feature torelease locking mechanisms.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Sensors coupled to textiles can create a system for determiningpositions and movements of a person. A plurality of sensors positionedthroughout textiles creates a system that uses relative position toestablish the locations of textile sensors. Such a system may be formedwith identifiers on each sensor so that the position within a textileand the alignment of said sensor is described by such an identifier. Inone embodiment, the sensor should be placed in a fixed position so thatthe identifier accurately reflects the position and alignment of thesensor. Typically, this is done by weaving the sensor into the cloth orby sewing the sensor to the fabric. In this embodiment, thin wires canbe woven into the fabric to bring power to the sensors and to providecommunications channels between the sensors and the processor.Alternately, fiber optic connections can be woven into the fabric.

In other embodiments, the sensor are moveable and capable of beingtransferred between different articles of clothing. This may beaccomplished by having a sensor that is placed in a pocket or that issnapped to the fabric with a snap, a zipper, or attached with Velcro. Inthis case, the communications between the sensors could be wireless.This embodiment also lends itself to an aftermarket implementation,wherein other embodiments are woven into the fabrics.

The sensors are contained within the Intelligent Fabric itself and theoutput is processed in the same Intelligent Fabric or a secondary devicesuch as a smart phone. These sensors can now be manufactured in a smallenough package to incorporate into fabrics without the user noticing. Inthe cases where the size of the sensor is slightly larger, the sensorcould be sewn into a seam, waistline, button, logo, or cuff. Examples ofsensors may include one or more accelerometers 243, gyroscopes 241,magnetometers 242, barometers 212, altimeters 215, temperature 216, orother sensors coupled to textiles which produce outputs allowingmovement to be inferred. An accelerometer 243 may sense the direction ofgravity and any other linear force experienced by the accelerometer 243.A gyroscope 241 may measure a Coriolis Effect, heading changes, androtation. A barometric pressure sensor 212 may measure atmosphericpressure. An altimeter 215 may measure a change in elevation. Atemperature sensor 216 could check for the temperature of thesurroundings and determine if the clothes were being worn. It should beunderstood, however, that these are merely examples of sensors that maybe used in particular implementations, and claimed subject matter is notlimited in this respect.

An accelerometer 243 coupled with a gyroscope 241 provide six-dimensionsof observability (x, y, z, τ, φ, ψ). An accelerometer 243 may senselinear motion such as the translation in a plane. Thus, with a singleaccelerometer, an object's motion in Cartesian coordinate space (x, y,z) can be sensed, and the direction of gravity can be sensed to estimatethe object's roll (τ) and pitch (φ). Since accelerometers may not beable to easily differentiate between the object's linear motion andtilt, a gyroscope 241 may be used to measure the rotation about (x, y,z) coordinates, that is, roll (τ) and pitch (Ω) and yaw (ψ), sometimesreferred to as azimuth or heading.

An accelerometer 243 may measure linear movement in six-directions withreference to Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z). These six-directions fallon three lines spaced ninety degrees from each other while intersectinga single origin (+x, −x, +y, −y, +z, −z). A one-dimensionalaccelerometer may provide measurements to indicate linear movement alonga single line in two-directions (+x, −x). A two-dimensionalaccelerometer may provide measurements to indicate linear movement in aplane along both x-dimension and y-dimension, and a three-dimensionalaccelerometer may provide measurements to indicate linear movement inthree-dimensional space along x, y and z-dimensions. A three-dimensionalaccelerometer may comprise a two-dimensional accelerometer combined witha one-dimensional accelerometer, or may comprise three one-dimensionalaccelerometers. An accelerometer may provide measurements in terms oflinear acceleration (e.g. m/sec²), linear velocity (e.g., m/sec), orlinear distance (e.g., m). A non-Cartesian coordinate system can be usedsuch as a coordinate system for the Intelligent Fabrics. In specificimplementations, a coordinate system may define dimensions that aremutually orthogonal.

Rotational movement from a gyroscope 241 may be represented by thecoordinate system (τ, φ, ψ). Tau (τ) represents yaw or rotation aboutthe z-dimension, phi (φrepresents roll or rotation about thex-dimension, and psi (ψ) represents pitch or rotation about they-dimension. In one implementation, a gyroscope may comprise aone-dimensional gyroscope to provide measurements indicating rotationalmovement about a first dimension. In another implementation, a gyroscopemay comprise a two-dimensional gyroscope to provide measurementsindicating rotational movement about a first dimension and a seconddimension.

Likewise, in another implementation, a gyroscope may comprise athree-dimensional gyroscope to provide measurements indicatingrotational movement about first, second and third dimensions. Athree-dimensional gyroscope may comprise a two-dimensional gyroscopecombined with a one-dimensional gyroscope, or may comprise threeone-dimensional gyroscopes. The gyroscope may provide measurements interms of angular acceleration (e.g., rad/see), angular velocity (e.g.,rad/sec), or an angle (e.g., rad).

A single accelerometer 243 may sense linear movement while a singlegyroscope 241 may measure angular movement such as a tilt or roll.Interfacing an accelerometer 243 with a gyroscope 241 in a textile, suchas a shirt, may be used to sense linear movement as well as angularmovement. For example, a three-dimensional accelerometer 243 and athree-dimensional gyroscope 241 provide six dimensions of observability(x, y, x, τ, φ, ψ). Fewer dimensions may be desired to sense fewerdimensions of linear and rotational motion. For example, atwo-dimensional accelerometer and a two-dimensional gyroscope mayprovide four dimensions of observability (x, y, τ, φ). Techniquesdescribed herein may implement a single-sensor or a multi-sensorIntelligent Fabric Device 200 for measuring one or more dimensions. Thegyroscope 241 is optional.

Standing vs. Sitting

By aligning an accelerometer sensor 243 in a textile near a skeletalpivot point the angle of a body part can be used to relay postureinformation. Accelerometer sensors 243 may be preset in positions todetermine relative movements from a set orientation using an associatedidentifier. An accelerometer sensor 243 that is placed in a pant legabove the knee will change orientations by approximately ninety degreeswhen a person sits versus stands. This is because the angle of the thighmoves from an upward position from standing to a sideways position whensitting.

The orientation may also be determined from one sensor to another by therelative position of both sensors. The method of determining positioncan be seen in a paper titled “Bluetooth Indoor Localization System” byresearchers at Humboldt University Berlin where they describe alocalization system which estimates distance to an accuracy of 1 meterby measuring the difference between signal emission and time of arrival.Alternatively, location could be determined using received signalstrength (RSSI).

In one embodiment, a bottom sensor 2 near the outer left leg of a pairof pants may communicate with a top sensor 6 near the left side of awaistband of the same pants. When a person is standing, the sensors willbe oriented so that the sensor in the left side of a waist band isapproximately directly above the sensor in the bottom outer left leg ofa pair of pants. When a person is sitting, the sensor 2 in the bottomouter left leg of a pair of pants will be in a forward-position from thesensor 6 in the left side of a waist band. Alternatively, the sensor 2in the bottom of the pants will be closer to the sensor 6 in the waistband of the pants when the person is sitting down compared to standing.This could be accomplished by using RSSI or Time of Flight methodsdescribed above.

In another embodiment, a middle sensor 4 is downwardly aligned in thethigh area of the pants. When the person is standing the middle sensor 4is aligned towards the ground. When the person is sitting the middlesensor 4 is aligned approximately 90 degrees from the standing position.In one embodiment, the Intelligent Fabric includes a gravity sensor 242(often these are included in the accelerometer) and an accelerometer 243to comprise the middle sensor 4 in the thigh portion of pants todetermine whether a person is sitting or standing. With the sensor abovethe knee, if gravity is detected along the length of the leg, then theperson is standing. If gravity is detected perpendicular to the leg,then the person is sitting.

The positioning and alignment of the sensors allows for connectivitybetween the sensors to determine angles and distances. Connectivity maydetermine angles and distances by using received signal strength (RSS),time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or the like.RSS signal measurement may be best for most applications because of thelow hardware cost. However, RSS are not typically as accurate as TOA andTDOA methods. The decreasing cost and size of sensors allows fordistance estimation methods with good accuracies at a low cost.

FIG. 1A illustrates the Intelligent Fabrics coupled to pants fordetermining that a person is sitting.

FIG. 1B illustrates the Intelligent Fabrics coupled to pants fordetermining that a person is standing.

A sensor 2 attached to the end of each pant leg can allow for signaturefoot position recognitions for each user. A user may have a specificpositioning of the feet depending on whether they are sitting orstanding. When a user is standing they may have each leg slightly angledoutward. The sensors 2 can then pick up on this outward angle bycommunicating with each other or another device and determining distanceusing RSSI or Time of Flight algorithms. Then when the same user issitting they may have each leg pointed straight ahead. The sensors 2 maybe pinged at a time interval to determine the different orientations ofthe sensors.

These orientations may be logged to keep track of the time a user spendsstanding or sitting. A database could be incorporated in the IntelligentFabrics Device (or each reading could be uploaded to a server) to log atimestamp and the sensor values. This database could be updatedperiodically or only when a change of position is detected from thesensors.

Instead of pinging the sensors at a time interval, the sensors may beused to detect when a change occurs in orientation to determine that theuser has moved from a sitting to a standing position. The sensors maywirelessly alert another device or server of the change in orientationso that the time sitting and standing can be appropriately recorded.

Pedometer

A sensor 2 may be placed on the bottom of each pant leg so that thedistance taken with every stride can be recorded from the relativedistance from the two sensors. By taking the aggregate of the stridelengths the total distance of a user wearing the pants can be recorded.The stride length will differ depending on if the user if walking orrunning. A user that is walking will most likely not start his nextstride at exactly the same point where the user's foot last touched thesurface. Whereas a user that is running will likely start the nextstride closer to where the user's foot last touched the surface.Additionally, the distance from the tags to the ground may beextrapolated to determine a more accurate stride length.

Measuring the total distance of every stride taken by a user may reducethe battery life of the system, which can be resolved if the distanceswere not measured at time intervals. Measuring the stride distance at atime interval then multiplying the measured stride distance over thenumber of strides that are taken during that time interval will yieldthe approximate distance a user has traveled. To say it another way,measuring the stride distance at certain time intervals then multiplyingthe resultant average stride distance by the number of strides that weretaken during a travel interval proximate to such stride-lengthestimating interval will yield the approximate distance a user hastraveled during that travel interval. The time (or travel) intervals,which can incorporate the stride-length estimating intervals, can thenbe added for any given period to give the approximate total distance forthat period.

In some embodiments an accelerometer 243 may be used to determine thenumber of strides taken. Intelligent Fabric Devices 200 may useaccelerometers 243 and processors 201 to determine the number of stridestaken. The accelerometer 243 measures the acceleration in the directionvertical to a person's body created by a stride when the foot contactsthe ground. In other words, it measures the foot leaving the ground andreturning to the ground. Each contact creates an acceleration peak. Foreach contact that creates acceleration above a set threshold, a strideis recorded. A comparator within the processor 201 determines when thethreshold is met.

The Device 200 processes the vertical acceleration from an accelerometer243 and compares the sensed value with a reference threshold. Thereference threshold value represents the amplitude at which theacceleration signal represents a step. The reference threshold islowered and raised in accordance with the sensed acceleration magnitude.The reference threshold could be a function of the apparent speed of theuser. Acceleration magnitude is dependent upon the types of shoes worn,the type of terrain, the speed of movement, and the like. Multiplying anaverage stride length by the number of times the threshold accelerationmagnitude was met or surpassed yields the distance traveled.

In one embodiment, the Device 200 processes the vertical acceleration ofthe accelerometer 243 to count the steps based on a thresholdacceleration. The process requires the value of a reference accelerationthreshold to be met. The reference acceleration threshold is met whenthe acceleration magnitude exceeds the reference acceleration thresholdand then drops below the reference acceleration threshold. The Device200 then processes the distance between the sensor in the right leg withthe sensor in the left leg using RSS, TOA, TDOA, or a similar method atthe time the reference acceleration threshold is met. The distancebetween the sensors is extrapolated as to represent the point at whichthe foot contacts the terrain to estimate the exact length of thestride. The distance value is stored in the Device 200 or a secondarydevice receiving the data from the Device 200. Distance values are addedto reflect the total distance traveled over a period of time. Thisembodiment provides a more accurate distance traveled measurement thanother systems because a fixed stride length is not used. Calculating thedistance of each individual stride, or measuring the actual stridelength at sample intervals, allows for a more accurate total distance ascompared to a traditional pedometer, which typically just measuresteps-taken, or miles traveled via GPS readings.

This invention improves on that methodology as it can produce highlyaccurate distance-traveled measurements when GPS signals are notavailable or not accurate enough to capture motions of just a few feet.Traditional pedometers when worn on the wrist also often confuse handand arm motion not associated with walking (raking leaves, for instance)with walking-produced arm motions. This confusion inflates thesteps-taken measurement and thus the distance traveled metric. If thisinvention were combined with a traditional pedometer, however,steps-taken could be measured with a new systems, while the traditionalpedometer could be used to track arm and produce a new category ofexercise to track—“arm motion exercise”.

Fidgeting

Sitting still for long periods of time is dangerous to human health. Themore a person sits the more of what the person consumes will be storedas fat. Excess fat predisposes the human body to further health problemsincluding diabetes and heart disease. Sitting for long periods of timesdrops the production of the blood enzyme lipase which is responsible forbreaking down lipids. The electrical activity of the body also decreaseswhich may decrease the metabolic rates over time. Furthermore, sittingstill for long periods of time, such as on a long airplane flight, cancause deep vein thrombosis (DVT), potentially deadly blood clots thatform in the legs and can migrate to the heart or brain. By fidgeting,that is, making repetitive and often rapid motions with your arms, legs,or feet while you sit some of these risks are reduced.

Some Intelligent Fabrics sensors merely detect that motion has occurred.One solution declares motion when a signal exceeds a threshold during anobservation period. A disadvantage of such a method is that it mayindicate motion even if a measured signal is incidental when in factmotion did not occur. Accordingly, one implementation may thereforeprovide a method and system for detecting and evaluating movement andmay result in more efficient power consumption as there may not be aneed to use power to transmit signals in the event that a determinationis made that a sensor has remained in a substantially stationaryposition. For example, incidental movement may be distinguished from athreshold movement based on a movement pattern observed from one or moresensor measurements exceeding threshold values. One implementation mayidentify patterns in sensor fabric data characteristic of a fidgetinguser, and differentiable from a moving user.

Accelerometers 243 interfacing with gyroscopes 241 in the fabric ofclothes may monitor the fidgeting of a user while they are sitting.Device 200 will determine how much movement occurred. The electricalcomponents are placed in a fixed position on the Intelligent Fabrics sothat the orientation for received accelerations is known. Whether theuser is working on a computer all day or sitting down working in afactory, the small movements may be tracked by the accelerometers 243.Device 200 may also compute the difference in relative position to othersensors or connected devices for the purpose of reaching a fidgetingmetric for the user. A fidgeting metric may be established for eachpiece of clothing or for all of the pieces of clothing in combination. Ashirt may give the user a metric for how much upper body fidgetingoccurred where pants may output a metric for how much lower bodyfidgeting occurred. Each piece of clothing may put together a caloriecount based on the movements for a time interval to determine the numberof calories burned by a region in the body. A secondary device may thencompile the total fidgeting metric and calorie score for the user. Inone embodiment, a single accelerometer could be used to determinemovement of the fabric, corresponding to movement of the user. Inmulti-sensor embodiments, the distance between the sensors could be usedin addition to accelerometer movement to determine the amount ofmovement. Often, the amount of fidgeting is an analog value relating tothe amount of movement in a period of time.

In one embodiment, a method and associated apparatus are provided fordetermining whether an Intelligent Fabric has moved in a fidgetingmanner. A fidgeting manner is detected by a pattern of movement in theIntelligent Fabrics based upon output from one or more sensors. Forexample, sensor outputs, as seen by the accelerometer 243 or thegyroscope 241 from one or more sensors which exceed a preset thresholdvalue may define a fidgeting manner via a pattern of movement. Forexample, an accelerometer 243 output of acceleration exceeding athreshold value and an output of rotation exceeding a threshold valuemay define a pattern of movement. Another example of a movement patternincludes a sequence of acceleration peaks during some time interval, orspectral frequency characteristics, such as high incidence of peaksaround specific frequencies such as 60 Hz. In one embodiment, the memory203 contains a database of reference movement patterns. The sensorfabric data is compared to this database to find a match. The matchingis not done with an exact comparison, but by using expert systemsinterpretation to find a data set in the reference movement patternsthat closely resembles the sensor fabric data. In one example, the x, y,and z values from an accelerometer are subtracted from the referencemovement pattern for x, y, and z, and the absolute value of thedifferences are summed. The sum is then compared to a tolerance value inthe reference movement pattern. If the sum is less than the tolerancevalue, then the pattern matches, otherwise it does not match.

Output from sensors may determine whether an Intelligent Fabric has beenmoved in a fidgeting manner. In one embodiment, movement of anIntelligent Fabric may be detected from movement of a center of massrespective to a body part. Example body parts in which the center ofmass may be calculated include: right foot, left foot, right shank, leftshank, right thigh, left thigh, right hand, left hand, right forearm,left forearm, right upper arm, left upper arm, head, neck, trunk, or thelike. A fidgeting manner may be determined based on measurements fromone or more sensors contained in Intelligent Fabrics. In oneimplementation, a fidgeting manner may be determined upon receipt of twoor more measurements exceeding predetermined threshold values within aset time interval. For example, such measurements may be received from agyroscope 241 and an accelerometer 243 located in an Intelligent FabricDevice 200 near the ankle.

Patterns of predefined movement may allow a determination of whether adetected level of movement corresponds to a predetermined level ofmovement. If a detected movement pattern corresponds to a predeterminedlevel of movement, a determination may be made that the person is in afidgeting state. On the other hand, if a detected movement pattern doesnot correspond to a predetermined level of movement, a determination maybe made that the person is in a stationary state. In determining whethera movement pattern corresponds to a predetermined level of movement, oneor more sensor measurements may be compared against threshold values.

Accelerometers 243 contained in the Device 200 coupled to textilesoutput different values for a stationary wearer as compared to a wearermoving at a constant rate of speed. Accelerations of greater magnitudeare associated to a moving wearer with outputs exhibiting relativelyhigh spikes in acceleration at a relatively high frequency. A wearerthat is absolutely still, such as a wearer napping on a couch, may showlittle to no spikes in acceleration. Depending on the placement of asensor, various accelerations may be detected. By processing fabric datafrom the sensors closest to fidgeting body parts, a secondary device candetermine the time spent fidgeting. An acceleration profile for afidgeting wearer may tend to have acceleration spikes at a higherfrequency than those of a wearer in a relatively stationary position.

Posture

In another embodiment, the Intelligent Fabric could be used to detectthe user's posture and notify the user when his posture needscorrecting. The notification could be done at the time that bad postureis detected or it could be aggregated and reported to the user at theend of the day. Sensors in the fabric of a shirt could be checked fortheir position to see if they are lined up correctly, and if not, then abad posture determination is made. This is used to detect a slumpingback. The determination of whether the user is standing or sitting couldbe used in conjunction with this determination, to specify if the badposture occurs when standing or sitting.

In another embodiment, an Intelligent Fabrics sensor could determine theangle of the user's head to determine if were held high or bent down(for instance, looking at a cell phone, which if done too continuously,can cause neck pain and a slumped posture). This angle is determined bylocating a sensor on the head of the user, perhaps built into a barretteor a hair tie that held together a pony-tail, one or more earrings, or apair of glasses. Such sensors could have in them accelerometers as wellas the normal means of communicating and staying charged. The user couldcalibrate the sensor by indicating, perhaps verbally to a cellphone app,when their head was being in the correct position. Assuming the hairband, for instance, is not moved, later head-angles could be compared tothe earlier calibrated correct angle to determine the amount of time thehead was held slumped down versus in a more correct posture.

Alternatively, the sensor could contain a Bluetooth chip with adirectional antenna (see U.S. Pat. No. 9,118,116B2 by John T. Apostoloset al, hereby incorporated by reference) and work in conjunction with asensor in a shirt or blouse that was affixed in a known location. Theantenna could tell the direction of the signals from one or more othersensors, and determine the angle in which they arrive. This angleinformation is then transmitted to the Intelligent Fabrics processorwhere it is assembled in to an array of angles. This angle informationarray is then processed to determine the position of the other sensorsand whether they line up in a pattern that reflects proper posture. Thisinformation can be transferred to a smart phone, computer, tablet, orother user interface device. Such a directional antenna approach mayalso require calibration if the location and angle of the hair-affixedsensor was not initially known.

A further embodiment would involve placing a sensor in the collar of ashirt. Such could measure the spacing between the collar, preferably thetop of the collar, with the neck itself. When a person leans their headforward this space increases and can be noted by the sensor. Such asensor could be capacitive in nature, noting the change in thecapacitive field when the neck moves away from the sensor.

Neck posture could also be measured with a pressure sensor placed in thecollar, or just below the collar, where there would be contact with theshoulders. When the user leans their head forward, or slumps theirshoulders (another bad habit), such a sensor would register a decreasein pressure. The system could collect and report such pressure readingscollected over the course of the day.

Another Intelligent Fabrics embodiment would place anaccelerometer-based sensor in a belt such that the sensor was located atthe small of a user's back. Alternatively, such a sensor could beembedded in a similar location in the pants themselves. Such a sensorcould be calibrated, as noted above, to note when the wearer wasstanding up straight. When the user leaned forward, the angle of thebelt, and thus the sensor, will subtly tilt forward as well.

Posture readings could be interpreted by the system in light of whatactivity the user was engaged in at the time. For instance, if the userwere texting while the slumping forward their head, this would be notedas negative scenario. If the phone was not being used in such a manner,yet a smart watch detected arm motion akin to doing the dishes, thesystem might presume that the user was washing dishes, an activity thatoften requires such forward-leaning posture.

Sensing Hardware

Intelligent Fabric sensors as described herein may enable applicationsdepending on the compatibility of sensors integrated into a wirelessdevice. Some applications may employ more than one output from at leastone sensor and may employ multiple degrees of observability from asensor. The ability to sense is dependent on the hardware used byIntelligent Fabrics. The Device 200 provide most of the hardware forIntelligent Fabrics because of the small size and low power usage of thesystems. The small size allows the Device 200 to easily and comfortablyfit into an article of clothing. The small size is important forapplications in which the Device 200 sensors would like to be hidden.For instance, Intelligent Fabrics may employ a Device 200 to relaycritical medical information to a secondary device. The wearer may wantto keep their medical condition discrete and therefore having the Device200 hidden in their clothing could accomplish that.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified schematic of an Intelligent Fabric Device 200.The Device 200 contains a processor 201 electronically interconnectedwith memory 203 and a clock 204. Processor 201 is also connected to anaccelerometer subsystem 240, a sensor subsystem 210, a power subsystem220 and a communications subsystem 230.

The accelerometer subsystem 240 in this embodiment includes anaccelerometer 243, a magnetometer 242, and a gyroscope 241 which outputto a processor 201 to be sent and received wirelessly through the methodmentioned herein. The accelerometer 243 and gyroscope 241 outputsix-dimensions of observability (x, y, z, τ, φ, ψ). Each of theaccelerometer 243, the magnetometer 242 and the gyroscope 241 areoptional and may not be present in certain embodiments. In anotherembodiment the accelerometer 243, the magnetometer 242 and the gyroscope241 could be directly connected to the processor 201.

The Sensor subsystem 210 could contain one or more of the followingsensors: photo cell 211, barometric pressure 212, contact 213, zipper214, temperature 216, and/or an altimeter 215. A photo cell 211 could beused for determining how much light (visible, ultraviolet, infra-red)has arrived at the fabric. A barometric pressure sensor 212 could beused to determine the weather. A contact sensor 213 could be used todetermine whether a button is buttoned or whether a belt is inside oroutside of a belt loop. A zipper sensor 214 could determine if a zipperis up or down. A temperature sensor could detect body heat. An altimeter215 could determine altitude. These sensors 211-215 could be directlyconnected to the processor 201 in one embodiment. In another embodiment,any of these sensors 211-215 and the accelerometer subsystem 240 devicescould be located remotely from the processor 201 and connectedwirelessly or with a wire to the processor 201.

The power subsystem 220 provides power for the processor 201, the clock204, the memory 203, the accelerometer subsystem 240 and thecommunications subsystem 230. The power subsystem 220 could providepower from one or more of a capacitor 221, a battery 222, a kineticpower generating source 223 or a solar cell 224.

The Device 200 through the processor 201 communicates with the internetand with other devices through the communications subsystem 230. Thecommunications subsystem 230 could use any number of wirelesscommunications technologies, such as Bluetooth 231, Near FieldCommunications 232, RFID, or WiFi 233. A cellular network could also beused.

The hardware used in the Intelligent Fabrics may combine multiplesensing functions at a single sensor location or node. For example,Intelligent Fabrics Device 200 may include a six-axis accelerometer 243which includes a magnetometer 242 and temperature sensor. In a specificinstance, the Kionix KMX61G interfaces could implement the Accelerometersubsystem 240 with a Texas Instruments CC2541 Bluetooth transmitter(implementing the processor 201, the memory 203, the clock 204,Bluetooth 231 and the communications subsystem 230) and is coupled toIntelligent Fabrics Device 200. The KMX61G is a high-performance,low-power, magnetometer-accelerometer device enhanced with integratedsensor fusion software and auto-calibration algorithms to deliveraccurate outputs at low powers. In standby, only 5 μA of power is used.Using the accelerometer only, 150 μA of power is used. Operating theaccelerometer and magnetometer requires only 550 μA of power. Thedimensions of the magnetometer-accelerometer is 3×3×0.9 mm, taking uplittle space on the Intelligent Fabrics Device 200. The accelerometerrange can be changed from ±2 g, 4 g, and 8 g. The magnetometer canmeasure from ±300 μT to ±1200 μT. The KMX61G has wake-up andback-to-sleep functions for greater power saving functions along with aprogrammable interrupt engine and accelerometer self-test function. Thesensor can auto-calibrate using built in algorithms to provide a moreaccurate digital output. The digital output transmits to the TexasInstruments CC2541. The CC2541 is a power-optimized solution for bothBluetooth low energy and 2.4-GHz applications. It enables robust networknodes to be built at a low cost for Intelligent Fabrics. Each sensor ornetwork node is programmed to communicate with the sensors on the samearticle of clothing. A secondary device, such as a smart phone, canexecute functions across articles of clothing containing the IntelligentFabrics. The CC2541 combines the industry-standard enhanced 8051 MCU201, in-system programmable flash memory with 8-KB of RAM 203 allowingfor data transfer rates up to 2-Mbps.

The various Intelligent Fabrics procedures described herein may beimplemented with hardware or software, or a combination of both. Forexample, dedicated hardware logic components can be constructed toimplement at least a portion of one or more of the Device 200 functionsdescribed herein. For example and without limitation, such hardwarelogic components may include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs),Program-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific StandardProducts (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex ProgrammableLogic Devices (CPLDs), etc. Techniques may be implemented using two ormore specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with relatedcontrol and data signals that can be communicated between and throughthe modules, or as portions of an application-specific integratedcircuit. Additionally, the techniques described herein may beimplemented by software programs executable by a computer system. As anexample, implementations can include distributed processing,component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, andvirtual/cloud processing.

Fabric Synchronization

Each fabric will have a sensor or sensors associated with it that areembedded, attached, or otherwise coupled to the fabric. A pair of socksmay have one sensor in each sock, a pair of pants may have four sensors,and a shirt may have six sensors. When the user puts on the socks,pants, and shirt all twelve of the sensors may synchronize with eachother. The software on a secondary device can then choose the optimalmethod of reading the sensors worn by the user. Depending on the outputrequested by the user it may be more efficient to bypass specificsensors and link sensors from one article of clothing to another. Energysavings will occur by using fewer sensors for operations that requireonly basic operations amongst the sensors. A user may be wearingmultiple articles containing Intelligent Fabrics Device 200 and the useof all of the worn sensors would be redundant. Intelligent Fabrics 200has a hierarchy of what sensors should remain active depending on whatarticles are worn stored in the Device memory 203. For example, if auser is wearing pants, a shirt, and a belt that all contain IntelligentFabrics, the sensors 213 in the belt may remain active if it is atop thehierarchy. The sensors 213 in the belt may remain active instead of thesensors in the shirt and pants because the belt is also a battery andhas the greatest initial battery life. However, although the belt hasthe greatest battery life the shirt or pants may remain active if thecurrent battery life of the belt is less than that of the shirt orpants. Sensors could be incorporated into buttons, logos, or tags (suchas those sewn into the neck of shirts or beltline of pants).

In one embodiment, a wearer puts on a dress shirt and a tie, both thedress shirt and tie employ Intelligent Fabrics Devices 200. The dressshirt contains a Device 200 coupled to the textile in the center of thedress shirt below the middle button. The tie contains a Device 200coupled to the back center portion of the tie. Near field communication(“NFC”) 232 establishes a connection between the tie and dress shirtwhen the said Device 200 are within a set distance of each other. Datais exchanged over a radio frequency ISM band of 13.56 Mhz. The NFCprotocol allows the tie and dress shirt to automatically sync in lessthan a tenth of a second when the Device 200 are within a predetermineddistance. For this application, the NFC Chips 232 should be within onecm of each other to operate. This small distance is used so that theconnection is broken between the tie and the dress shirt when they aremore than one cm apart. Now the wearer can be notified that the tie isnot on straight when the NFC connection is broken. The NFC protocol mayalso be desirable for communicating with textiles worn by another userthat is within range of the wearer.

NFC provides automatic connections between Intelligent Fabrics whichallows the sensors to properly and quickly sync. The NFC protocoldistinguishes between an initiator and a target of the communication.Every Device 200 employed in Intelligent Fabrics that use the NFCprotocol should be a target. However, it may only be necessary for asingle Device 200 employed Intelligent Fabrics to be an initiator. Theinitiator may be the MEMS that initiates the sync and controls theexchange of data between Devices 200. The target may be the device thatanswers the request from the initiator. The NFC protocol also maydistinguish between two modes of operation, namely, an active mode and apassive mode. NFC compliant devices may support both communicationmodes. In the active mode of communication, the initiator and targetdevices may generate their own RF field to carry the data. In thepassive mode of communication, only one device may generate the RF fieldwhile the other device uses load modulation to transfer the data. TheNFC protocol specifies that the initiator is the device responsible togenerate the RF field.

Another important feature of this protocol may be the support for thepassive mode of communication. This is very important forbattery-powered devices since they may place conservation of the energyas the first priority. This mode does not require both devices togenerate the RF field and allows the complete communication to bepowered from one side only. Of course, the device itself will still needto be powered internally but it may not have to “waste” the battery 222on powering the RF communication interface. Also, the protocol may beused easily in conjunction with other protocols to select devices andautomate connection set-up. For example, NFC 232 can be used to setup aBluetooth 231 or Internet connection with another device. The parametersof other wireless protocols may be exchanged allowing for automatedset-up of other connections. This simplifies the difficulty in usinglonger-range protocols like Bluetooth 231 or Internet in selecting thecorrect device out of the multitude of devices in the range andproviding the right parameters for the connection.

In another embodiment, the sensors could be connected by wire woven intothe fabric. Thin wires could be sewn into the fabric and connectdirectly to the sensors. Sets of wires could be woven into patches ofpower that could be used to provide interfaces to other pieces ofclothing. For instance, a shirt could have a three inch by three inchpatch on each side that would provide a positive and negative contactfor the shirt. The pants could similarly have a three by three patch onthe inside of the waist area, so when the shirt is tucked in, the shirtand the pants can be electrically connected. A belt may be similarlyconnected to the pants. With a shirt or a jacket, there could also bewire patches on the inside of the shoulders to allow the IntelligentFabrics device to be connected to the hangers when the shirt or jacketis in storage.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the integration ofNFC 232, Bluetooth 231 and RF transmission and/or reception may beintegrated onto a single chip. The size of a wireless system may begreatly reduced if the radio functions for these protocols areintegrated onto a single chip. The integration of an NFC 232 system withBluetooth 231 functionality may allow the Device 200 to easily couplewith textiles because of the small chips size and efficient power usage.

Calendar Synchronization

A person may wish to manage a wardrobe so that a person can keep trackof the clothes worn to different functions. The person may want to planthe clothes to be worn at future meetings and functions. A person may beconcerned with their appearance in not repeating clothing worn tomeetings and functions that are sequential or otherwise related byattendance of the same people, therefore, may wish to synchronizeIntelligent Fabrics Devices 200 with a user's Calendar, such as GoogleCalendar. A database would store information about each article ofclothing incorporating such Intelligent Fabric Devices 200 and its priorusage. Identifiers with descriptions of the articles of clothing worn,timestamps of times worn, notations about the functions attended, andinformation regarding persons attending such functions would be providedin the database. Thereafter, in planning clothing to be worn to futuregatherings, the history of use information can be reviewed to avoidwearing the same garments too often to related functions, or toofrequently or consecutively in front of the same people.

An NFC system 232 can be employed in a closet to track what articles ofclothing are worn and when by communicating with the cloud, a secondarydevice, or a computer. By transmitting the timestamp and identifiersfound on the articles of clothing to the cloud, a secondary device, or acomputer, a person can carefully track what is worn and when. Thisfabric data may be transmitted and recorded by an NFC system 232 in thecloset that uploads the data to the internet. The uploaded fabric datacontaining the timestamp and associated articles of clothing can then besynchronized with a calendar. The calendar can organize this data so aperson does not wear the same articles of clothing around the same groupof people in a given time interval. For example, a person could have ameeting every Tuesday and Thursday with coworkers. On Tuesday, a bluedress shirt and gray slacks were worn. On Thursday, the person puts on ablue dress shirt and gray slacks again. When the NFC 232 transmits thefabric data to be synchronized with the calendar, a warningemail/text/SMS may be sent to the person notifying them that the sameclothes were worn on Tuesday.

The clothing needs to make the determination whether it is worn orsimply being moved. There are two methods that are contemplated, thatcould be used independently or in conjunction. The first is toincorporate a temperature sensor that detects if the clothing is incontact with a human. The temperature sensor checks for a range of96-103 degrees F. for five seconds or more on the inside (towards theuser's skin) of the fabric. If the temperature is in this range, thenthe clothes are determined to be worn. If more accuracy is needed, twotemperature sensors could be used, one inside and one on the outside.The difference between the temperature sensor readings would indicatewhether the fabric was being worn. This would alleviate inaccuraciesdues to the clothing being worn at extreme temperatures.

The second method is to track movement with an accelerometer. If theaccelerometer sees that the clothing is vertical and moving with a gait,then the clothes are determined to be worn. In essence, the sensor datais compared to a reference movement pattern known to be that occurringwhen the fabric is worn.

The person can change settings in the Calendar to notify them on a morestrict or lenient basis. On a lenient basis, the Calendar may notify theperson only if the exact same clothes are worn at a similar event withinthree days. On a strict basis, the Calendar may notify the person ifsimilar clothes are worn at a similar event within two weeks.

NFC 232 is not the only protocol that can be used to sync what is takenfrom the closet with the Calendar. RFID tags, Bluetooth 231, a wiredsensor protocol, and Wireless Ethernet 233 may readily track what isworn and when. Further, the Calendar may not be synced at the timeclothes are taken from the closet. A secondary device, such as a smartphone, may communicate with Intelligent Fabrics 200 to record the fabricdata containing the timestamps and worn clothes. The secondary devicecan then sync the data with the Calendar. For instance, if the secondarydevice is a smart phone, the smart phone can use Bluetooth 231 to pairwith the Smart Fabrics 200 and sync the above data with the Calendar.

In addition to the coordination of clothes with the calendar, the smartclothes could help the wearer to coordinate an outfit. Inside of the tag(NFC or otherwise), could be stored information regarding the type andcolor of the piece of clothing. A smart phone, the cloud, or anotherdevice could collect the information on all of the items of clothingthat are being worn, and then run this through a fashion app todetermine if the clothing items go together. For instance, if a brownpair of pants is being worn, Intelligent Fabrics Devices 200 systemwould notify the user of a fashion violation if he is also wearing anon-matching blue tie, with each item of said clothing incorporating theIntelligent Fabrics technology and using sensors to determine that suchclothing is being put on and worn. Such analysis could be done locallyby one or more of the intelligent sensors, or by communicating to aconnected phone, or by communicating to the cloud.

The fashion app could also make recommendations of what items in thecloset to wear with that brown pair of pants, perhaps suggesting a tantie. This recommendation part of the fashion app could also check theweather and make suggestions on the expected weather. For instance, itcould recommend rubber soled shoes rather than leather if rain isforecast.

Timestamp Positioning with Stationary Sensors

The Intelligent Fabrics 200 could be used to monitor where someone isand could be used to limit access to locations based on the presence ofIntelligent Fabrics 200 devices. See US Patent Publication 2016-006378,Methods, Software, and Systems for Providing Policy-Based Access,incorporated herein by reference. The Intelligent Fabrics 200 could alsobe used to ensure that safety equipment, incorporating IntelligentFabrics, is being worn, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/982,217, Travel Safety Control, incorporated herein by reference.Devices and servers receive the timestamps and positions of IntelligentFabrics 200 and process them. Along with receiving timestamps andpositions the devices and servers recognize stationary sensors. Thestationary sensors are represented from compiling data acrossIntelligent Fabrics 200 within an environment. The devices and serverscombine fabric data from Intelligent Fabrics 200 with the data from thedetermined stationary sensors to provide an associated position ofsensors in the environment with the respective error for each stationarysensor.

In some embodiments, the device and server represent a cloud networkposition determination system involving a group of Intelligent FabricsDevices 200. The device and server each have at least one processor 201,a GPS, and memory 203. The memory 201 stores, among other data,positions and timestamps from the Intelligent Fabrics 200. Each of thepositions represents detection by a device or server of a sensor at aparticular time. The positions are then grouped by timestamp fordetermining position information of interest. Timestamps associated withthe position of moving sensors are compared to the timestamps associatedwith the position of stationary sensors. The mesh or cloud networkdetermines the presence of a stationary sensor from overlap of positionsfrom closely related timestamp intervals of different groups.

UV Sensor

Sunlight can cause long-term damage, such as premature skin aging andskin cancer. Most of the skin cancers are associated with exposure toultraviolet radiation. Millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancereach year. Some groups of people have an increased risk of skin cancer.Groups of people with an increased risk of skin cancer include thosetaking immunosuppressive medication, those with a history of skincancer; and those with an allergic reaction to UV light. Unfortunately,humans do not sense the amount and type of UV radiation they arereceiving.

Intelligent Fabrics 200 measure UV radiation using photodiodes 211. Theincoming light reaches the photodiodes 211 then the photodiodes 211convert the energy from the light into a small current. The amount ofcurrent depends on the type of photodiode 211 used (e.g. 200-400 nmphotodiode) with respect to the intensity of the incoming light. Thephotodiodes 211 connect to Device 200 coupled to an article of clothing.

In one embodiment, a UV sensor 211 is placed in (and camouflaged by) abutton. In another embodiment, a logo on a shirt could contain thesensor. The UV sensors 211 could then relay data to users so they canappreciate their sun exposure. Based on the fabric data generated by thesensor, the user may be alerted through an application to wear sunscreenor monitor the amount of time they are spending in the sun. The sensor211 can detect different types of sunlight being emitted. Most commonlyUVA radiation (400 nm to 320 nm), UVB radiation (320 nm to 280 nm), andUVC radiation (less than 280 nm). Recommended exposure times and minimumrecommended SPFs can be output in response to the amount and type of UVradiation received from the UV sensor 211.

Inventory Checklist Functions

Intelligent Fabrics 200 can determine if like sensors are within theproximity of the Intelligent Fabrics 200. The textiles can interact withstationary sensors to determine if the wearer has specific objects,clothing, and items. The stationary sensors, using NFC 232, RFID orBluetooth 231 to detect proximity, may send signals within the proximityof the wearer to determine if the proximity includes everything listedon an inventory checklist. If items are not accounted for by thestationary sensors then the stationary sensor may alert the wearer ofthe missing items or send signals to another device or sensor that thewearer can view. For example, if a wearer passes a stationary sensor orbeacon by his garage door that checks for the proximity of the wearerfor a wallet and briefcase, then finds that no wallet can is found inthe proximity of the wearer, the stationary sensor will signal an alarmto sound on the phone of the wearer to alert the wearer of the missingwallet.

Everything listed on the inventory checklist may be too hard for asingle person to carry at one time. In this scenario, the stationarysensor can mark items off the checklist as they pass the sensor. Itemswill continue to be marked off the checklist as the person passes thestationary sensor each time. Alerts can be sent to the phone of theperson as they pass by the sensor each time to notify the user of whatitems have been brought and what items are still needed.

Sensors do not need to be stationary to perform inventory checklistfunctions. For example, a hockey gear bag may have a sensor in it tocheck to make sure that each type of padding and other necessary gear isincluded in the hockey gear bag. For example, the hockey gear bag sensormay search for gloves, chest pad, elbow pads, skates, shoulder pads,pants, jersey, and socks. The hockey gear bag sensor can notify thehockey player via a phone to alert him or her of items missing from thehockey gear bag. The hockey gear bag may also have its own displayinterface on the bag itself. The display may have a small light next toeach piece of gear that is missing or the display may show the hockeyplayer exactly what items are missing.

Sensors in the Intelligent Fabrics 200 may go through an interrogationperiodically, when triggered by a device, or by coming in proximity of aunique sensor. The interrogation will make sure the wearer has all ofthe items on the inventory checklist. The interrogation will usewireless detection such as Wi-Fi 233, Bluetooth 231, Zigbee, or RadioFrequency.

In another embodiment, when the Intelligent Fabrics Device determinesthat a piece of clothing is put on (by monitoring gait or temperature),for instance a pair of pants, then the Device could wait twenty secondsor so, and then take “an inventory” to determine whether the user is nowcarrying other “tagged” items that might be carried in the Fabric Deviceor other clothes or accessories associated with it. For instance, when auser started to wear a pair of pants, as noted by the accelerometer'smeasurement of gait, then the Fabric Device might look for proximatesignals from such items as tagged keys, wallet, and cell phone. RSSIcould be used to determine that these items were close. Further evidencethat these devices were now being carried would be accelerometerreadings from the tags on such items that indicated that they were beingmoved in the same manner as the Fabric Device. If any of these itemswere missing, the Intelligent Fabrics Device could alert the users thatan item that is normally in the pocket is missing.

In one embodiment, the Intelligent Fabrics Device could collect fabricdata from the sensors in the fabric to determine if the fabric is beingworn. This is done by taking the sensor data and comparing it toreference movement patterns in memory on the Intelligent Fabrics Device.If the accelerometer sensor patterns show no movement, then it wouldappear that the fabric is not being worn. But if there is movement, weneed to further determine if the fabric is being worn, using thealgorithm described above. If the Intelligent Fabrics Device determinesthat the fabric has just transitioned from not being worn to being worn,the Device waits and then looks for the keys, the wallet, and the cellphone. This could be done using several mechanisms. The easiest issimply to try to communicate with the phone directly or to tags attachedto the keys or wallet (see U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/816,024,“Method and Device to Set Household Parameters Based on the Movement ofItems” filed by Inventor James D. Logan, hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety). Using NFC or Bluetooth with limited ranges,if the device does not respond, we can infer that the device is out ofrange and missing. In another embodiment, RSSI or a Time of Flightalgorithm could be used to determine the distance between the item andthe Device. If the item is not proximate, then the users should bealerted that the item is missing.

In another embodiment, the Intelligent Fabrics Device 200 checks to seeif the sensors are detecting a “dressing” pattern. This pattern mayinclude a temperature sensor seeing a change in temperature from roomtemperature to body temperature and the accelerometer data moving fromstationary to a reference movement pattern that matching a “dressing”activity, for instance, a rapid vertical acceleration indicating a pairof pants being pulled up. When dressed, the Intelligent Fabrics Device200 would wait a few seconds and then check for the items.

Leashing Items

Intelligent Fabrics 200 can be used to track items normally kepttogether using a leashing technique. This is similar to the inventorychecklist without the trigger of putting the clothes on. Instead, theitems are continually (while the fabric is being worn) leashed to theIntelligent Fabrics 200. In this embodiment, the Intelligent Fabrics usethe communications subsystem to periodically search for the wallet, thekeys and/or the phone (and/or other items), perhaps conducting thesearch every second while the fabric is worn. If an item is missing,then the fabrics alerts the user. The alert could be through the phoneor directly from the fabric using a speaker or buzzer in the fabrics, orthrough vibration or a device for causing mild pain in the user(sticking the user with a pin, providing a small electrical shock, orcreating heat). Heat could be generated by shorting two wires through alow value resister creating heat on the skin of the user. Alternatively,multiple open circuit uninsulated wires could run through the fabricssuch that when the wires touched the skin of the user of the fabric, theuser received a small shock. Heat or shock have the advantage of beingsilent (as opposed to the vibrate mode or buzzer used with cell phones).A pin on a small electromagnet could also be used to poke the user witha pin to signal an alert. In one embodiment, each item may have adifferent way to alert the user. Forgetting the phone may cause anelectrical shock where forgetting the wallet may cause a buzz to emitfrom the phone speaker. The Intelligent Fabric 200 may have a button tostop the alert. In one embodiment, the techniques for notifying the uservia fabric alert means could also be used to notify the user of a textarriving or a phone call ringing if the Fabric is paired with the phone.Such an alert means would lessen the need to wear a smart watch when amajor reason for wearing such a watch is the ability to know a messageor call is coming in if the phone's ringer is off. Different variationsof the fabric alert methodology could be used to signal different typesof messages or indicate some information about the sender.

Similar alerts could be given to the user for sitting too long in oneplace or for fidgeting at an inappropriate time, for example.

In another embodiment, an app on the phone could be used to configurethe Intelligent Fabric 200, tying certain missing objects to types ofalerts, and the app could also be used to override the alert and tosilence the alert. Furthermore, the configuration tool could be used toset time boundaries for alerts, limiting reminders for keys only toweekdays for example. And it could set distance limits as well before analert occurs. Thus, if a laptop is leashed to the Intelligent Fabrics200, an alert would only occur if the laptop were more than 40 feet awayfrom the Intelligent Fabrics 200, for example, but if the wallet weremore than 4 feet from the fabrics, the alert would be configured tosound.

Event Access Functions

Intelligent Fabrics 200 can be used to unlock doors or similarenvironment blockades if a person is wearing the type of clothingnecessary to enter an event. For example, a charity may have an event ata ballroom in a hotel. Instead of selling tickets the charity may havesold shirts with a unique sensor in the Intelligent Fabric. The charityonly wants to allow access to people who have purchased the shirt fromthe charity. A unique sensor 16 in the shirt may communicate withsensors in the door to the ballroom at the hotel. The door will onlyunlock if a person is wearing the shirt with the unique sensor 16standing within the monitoring range 24 of the scanners 18 by the door.Parameters for the door can be set to limit the number of times accessshall be granted to a unique sensor. Near field communication technologyusing RFID or the internet may allow the Intelligent Fabrics tocommunicate quickly with the locked door.

In one embodiment, the door locking mechanism 18 will release when allnecessary conditions are met. First, the smart fabric has to be valid sothe unique sensor 16 is detected within the monitored range 24. When theunique sensor 16 is within the monitoring range 24 an authorizationprocess will be initiated. The scanners 20 emit a RF signal whichcarries the authorization code of the door locking mechanism 18. Thissignal is received by the unique sensor 16. After receiving a correctauthorization code from the RF signal the unique sensor 16 will output asignal that is received by the locking mechanism 18. The lockingmechanism 18 determines if the received signal contains an authorizedcode. Upon receipt of an authorized code the locking mechanism willrelease.

FIG. 3 shows a view of a door 26, wherein the scanners 20 are mountedabove the door frame 22. In this case, the scanners are downward facing,creating the monitoring range 24. Once the unique sensor 16 comes withinthe monitoring range 24 the authorization process begins. If the uniquesensor contains a correct authorization code then the locking mechanism18 will release. The locking mechanism is shown in the right-centeredportion of the door 26 but can be placed around another portion of thedoor.

Active Pairing Response

Intelligent Fabrics 200 may pair with real-world objects and otherIntelligent Fabrics 200 to enrich the experience of the wearer with theenvironment. Textiles may communicate in many ways with the environmentto allow access, deny access, and manipulate objects in the environment.

For example, Intelligent Fabrics 200 may be coupled to bowling shoes andonly allow access to the bowling alley system to those wearing the shoeswith the correct sensor. This would prevent people from wearingprohibited shoes while they bowl and ensure that proper bowling shoesare worn. Users may not be physically prevented from bowling by wearingthe proper shoes because conventional bowling alleys allow for anyone topick up a ball and bowl down any given lane. However, the bowling alleysystem can prevent the score from being attributed to a bowler whenpaired shoes and bowling balls are not used. This feature has greaterimplications for active pairing responses in controlled competitiveenvironments. Not only can scores be automatically attributed to aplayer at any time, the bowling alley system can exclude scores forballs that were bowled unwarranted or improperly. The sensor in thebowling shoes may send signals to the sensor in a bowling ball tooperably connect the bowler with his or her ball anywhere in the bowlingalley. If the bowler moves from lane one to lane three the bowling alleysystem may automatically reroute the bowling ball from lane one to lanethree. By pairing bowling shoes with a bowling ball that communicateswith the bowling alley system the bowling ball can be delivered directlyto the ball storage rack used by the bowler. The pairing shall notblindly deliver the bowling ball to the storage rack most proximal tothe paired bowler shoes. This can negatively affect efficiencies andball delivery times of the bowling alley system. Rather, robust softwareshall keep the bowling ball system organized with parameters to allowfor intermittent trips away from the storage rack being used.Intermittent trips may include restroom trips or visiting with anotherbowler on an adjacent lane.

Bluetooth 231 may be used for its low power benefits combined with theshort range communication applications Intelligent Fabrics 200 employ.Different classes of Bluetooth chips 231 should be used depending on therange desired. Bluetooth Device Addresses should be used by applicationswith Intelligent Fabrics 200 over a wireless connection. The BluetoothDevice Address has a lower address part (LAP), an upper address part(UAP), and a non-significant address part (NAP). Page scans of thedevice access code should be used to target Bluetooth devices in range.Bluetooth device 231 located in the Intelligent Fabrics 200 requireauthentication and encryption keys to securely pair connections fromsensor to sensor.

Open Zippers and Buttons Notification

Intelligent Fabrics 200 can detect when an unwanted fly or button isopen or unbuttoned on a garment. This can prevent unwantedembarrassments to the user. For example, the “your fly is open” problemcan be cured by having sensors 214 tell when a circuit attached close tothe top of the zipper is open or closed because an electrical circuit onthe fly will be closed when the zipper is closed. Sensors 214 thereforecould be programmed to look for open circuits on the fabric.

A zipper may use the interlocking teeth coupled with a conductiveelement to determine whether the zipper is open or closed. Theconductive element will have two parts. One part of the conductiveelement will be on at least one zipper tooth on the first interlockingrow of teeth. Another part of the conductive element will be on at leastone zipper tooth on the second interlocking row of teeth. When thezipper is closed the two or more parts of the conductive element willmeet to complete a circuit. A sensor 214 will operably connect to theconductive element. The sensor 214 will send an electrical signalthrough the conductive element to determine if the zipper is opened orclosed. If the zipper is opened the sensor 214 can send a wirelesssignal, under certain circumstances, to a device or phone which willalert the wearer of the open fly.

The wireless signal needs to be conditioned based upon whether the pantsare being worn at the moment. An open zipper is not a reason for analert if the pants are in storage or in the laundry. Thus the SmartFabrics needs to determine if the pants are being worn. This is doneeither through a temperature sensor or by comparing the movement of thesensors to those movements that occur when someone is wearing theclothes. In one embodiment, if the accelerometers on the waist areupright then the pants are being worn. See the description of thesealgorithms above.

A wireless signal alerting the wearer that the zipper is open is notneeded, of course, if the zipper is open because the user is using thebathroom. When the zipper is purposely opened for this purpose, however,the wearer will be sitting or standing relatively still for some periodof time. Sensors on the Smart Fabrics can determine when the user startswalking about again, signaling the end of the bathroom break, and if thezipper remains open after a certain period of time after the resumptionof such traveling motions, the sensor will send the wireless signal tothe phone that will be converted into an alert.

The wireless signal may be in the form of a SMS text message from theclothes to the user's cell phone or an audio alert through a phone call.The wireless signal could also be a Bluetooth message to the phone,perhaps sent to an app on the phone that notifies the user. The user mayalso be alerted through a speaker or buzzer in the fabrics, or throughvibration or a device for causing mild pain in the user (sticking theuser with a pin, providing a small electrical shock, or creating heat).

Buttons may have a conductive element that connects with the textilewhen the button is fastened. For example, the top inside loop of atextile may have a conductive element that fastens around a conductiveelement on the button. When the button is not fastened, a sensor 213operably connected to the conductive element of the textile will alertthe user of the unfastened button. This may be seen as a common featureon the back left pockets of male shorts and pants because this is thepocket a wallet is commonly placed. The alert may be set to go off aftera ten minute unfastened period so that the wearer is not bombarded withunnecessary alerts.

Belt loops may have sensors 213 to tell if a belt was run through theinside of a belt loop or outside of the belt loop. Sensors 213 maysignal the user through and application or device to alert the user thatthe belt was not placed inside of the loops.

Forgotten Phone

One embodiment of the Intelligent Fabrics is the ability to address theleaving of the phone in a pants pocket when changing clothes. The Deviceuses an accelerometer in the fabrics to check for the motion pattern ontaking off of the pants and then checks to see if the phone is removedwithin a period of time, perhaps 10 seconds. If the Intelligent FabricsDevice determines that the pants were taken off, a message indicatingthat the pants were removed is sent to an app running on the phone. Thephone app will then check the accelerometer on the phone to see if it isnot moving. If no movement is detected, the app will ring the phone (orissue another audible alert) to remind the user to take the phone withhim. In addition, if the user is wearing a smart watch, such alert maybe sent to the watch as well, as the phone alert may not be heard if theuser has walked away and if out of audible range of the phone. If thephone is moving once the pants have been taken off, then it is assumedthat the phone has been removed and no alert is given to the user.Instead of using an accelerometer on the pants, a thermal sensor couldbe used to detect that the pants are no longer being worn.

In another embodiment, the Intelligent Fabrics Device 200 checks to seeif the sensors are detecting an “undressing” pattern. This pattern mayinclude a temperature sensor seeing a change in temperature from bodytemperature to room temperature and the accelerometer data moving from areference movement pattern that matching an “undressing” activity tostationary. When undressed, the Intelligent Fabrics Device 200 wouldwait a few seconds and then check to make sure the phone had beenremoved.

In still another embodiment, when the Fabrics Device senses that theclothes are removed, it communicates to the phone, and the movementpatterns for the phone are compared to the movement patterns of theclothes. If neither the phone nor the Fabrics are moving, then the phonehas been left. However, if the phone is moving and the Fabrics are not,then do not send the message, because the phone is not forgotten.

Battery Belt

Intelligent Fabrics may use batteries 222 to power the electronicscoupled with the textiles. The batteries 222 can be recharged and may beincluded in each individual textile. Alternatively, a belt that storesenergy and distributes it across the electrical devices on the wearermay be employed. The battery belt may charge batteries 222 within andconnected to the textiles or act as the sole power source for all orsome of the textiles used.

The belt may charge or power the pants through conductive areas on theinside of the belt loops of pants. The conductive areas on the insidesof the belt loop can use the power from the belt by connecting toconductive areas on the belt. Alternatively, a belt buckle may act asthe connection for voltage to flow from the belt to the pants or shirt.The shirt may connect to a clasp on the belt buckle or a conductivemeans from the inside of the pants when the shirt is tucked in.

Inductive charging 223 may be employed to charge textiles without theuse of a more direct connection. An alternating current from atransmitter coil in the belt may induce a voltage in a receiver coilfound in the shirt and pants. Alternatively, the belt may be charged bya belt charger that hangs in the closet. The belt charger would beconnected to AC current and would connect to contacts on the belt whilethe belt is hanging in the closet. Alternatively, the belt could becharged inductively.

Phone Fabric

Intelligent Fabric 200 may employ a microphone so that the wearer canuse the Intelligent Fabric 200 as a hands free phone. A Bluetoothenabled microphone and speaker in a textile can allow the user to takecalls anywhere. For example, a hooded article of clothing may have theBluetooth enabled microphone and speaker positioned so that the wearercan talk on the phone. The microphone may be positioned on the lowerinner portion of the hood allowing acoustic signals from the wearer'smouth to be easily picked up. The speaker may be positioned on the upperinner portion of the hood so that incoming sounds can easily be heard.The embedded microphone, speaker, and receiver may be permanently sewninto the article of clothing or attached by removable means. Commonremovable methods of attachment for the Intelligent Fabric 200 may beVelcro, zippers, or string ties.

Tapping on the fabrics could be used to signal the phone, as couldsaying certain words (i.e. “Hey Siri”). For instance, a double tap on asensor could cause the Intelligent Fabrics to record a memo untilanother double tap is received. The Intelligent Fabrics could also takeinstructions itself through the microphone. To save battery, themicrophone may only listen for keywords when the accelerometersdetermine that the Fabrics are being worn.

Storing Energy

Intelligent Fabrics may store electrical energy on a capacitor 221 orbattery 222 connected or intertwined within the textile. The capacitor221 or battery 222 should be located in a position in the fabric thatwould cause the wearer not to notice its presence at all. It would be insuch a position as to protect the wearer's skin from any discomfortwhich may be caused by an exposed item.

Self-Charging

Intelligent Fabrics 200 may employ solar cells 224 to collect light andcharge batteries 222. The solar cells 224 can be arranged in panels orwoven into small fibers of the textile. The solar cells 224 should beplaced in locations on the wearer where light may optimally be collectedsuch as the top of a hat or the shoulder regions.

Intelligent Fabrics 200 may transfer the kinetic energy created by thewearer. Kinetic energy 223 is transferred to the textile or other deviceas the wearer moves the textile. As the textile moves around objects orfriction is created, the kinetic energy 223 charges batteries 222.Magnetic forces operably connected to the textile move across a coil tocreate an electric charge in the coil. The electric charge created inthe coil is then sent to charge batteries 222.

Intelligent Fabrics 200 may employ an inner liner composed of athermoelectric material that converts body heat into voltage. Athermoelectric film may attach to the skin which gathers heat energyfrom the body before converting the energy into electricity. Ahigh-efficiency thermoelectric converter can be employed to power andcharge the Intelligent Fabrics 200. Organic polymers that activate witha single degree change in Celsius of less should be employed on theinside of the Intelligent Fabrics. The polymers should come in directcontact with the skin.

Charging Other Devices

Intelligent Fabrics may charge other electronic devices such as cellphones, tablets, and laptop computers. Intelligent Fabrics may use adirect connection via a conventional charging cable (e.g. micro USB,iPhone Charger, etc.) or an inductive charge in the textile. When usinga direct connection via a conventional charging cable, the textile mayhave a charging adapter nearest a convenient pocket so that the chargingdevice can be placed in said pocket so the device will charge withoutthe wearer having to hold on to the device. When inductively chargingdevices, the device that is desired to be charged shall be placed in thepocket or attachment with the wireless charging area. The device must beplaced on the wireless charging area so that alternating current canflow from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil of the device.

Physical Storage of Intelligent Fabrics

The temperature at an event and the category of event that a person isabout to attend may dictate what articles of clothing the person willwear. In hot temperatures where a person is about to participate in anactive event the person will most likely wear a short sleeve shirt andathletic shorts. The closet that stores the Intelligent Fabrics 200 canbe connected to the internet or a device that relays the data from aperson's schedule to the closet. Based upon the data relayed to thecloset, the closet can rearrange to allow the person an easy choice at aselection of an outfit that meets the needs of the event on thecalendar. For example, if the calendar says “Work Christmas Party” thenthe closet may alert the person where his or her Christmas sweater islocated along with a pair of slacks. The closet may alert the person byilluminating hangers where the desired articles of clothing are located.The closet may even have clothing on racks that can cycle from one typeof clothing to the next. Rotating racks may be especially useful formaximizing the space in a small closest or taking advantage of the highceilings that a closet may have. The closet may employ a carousel orcubby design that will automatically rotate depending on the calendar ofthe person.

Closet racks may provide a direct electrical connection to IntelligentFabrics 200 via hangers that are conductively connected to theIntelligent Fabrics 200. Intelligent Fabrics 200 can lose the energystored in them over time. Closet racks can be directly wired into theelectrical system of a building allowing for the flow of energy from thebuilding to the Intelligent Fabrics 200. For example, an IntelligentFabrics 200 shirt may attach to a hanger so that the inside top shouldersection of the shirt is directly touching the top portion of the hanger.The top portion of the hanger may have an electrical connection with thesemi-circular ring that hangs on the rack. When the Intelligent Shirt ishung on the rack, the electrical components in the Intelligent Shirt cancharge and receive important updates to software executed by theIntelligent Shirt.

Contact Information Sharing

Phones may upload information pertinent to the wearer so that newlypurchased Intelligent Fabrics 200 can store this information on memorylocated within the Intelligent Fabrics 200. For example, prior to anIntelligent Fabric 200 being purchased at a store the Intelligent Fabric200 will know nothing about the personal information of its futurewearer. Once the Intelligent Fabric 200 are worn, the wearer may wish tohave the Intelligent Fabrics 200 store personal information. TheIntelligent Fabric 200 may download contact information of the wearer'sphone such as email address, street address, phone number, height,weight, eye color, job title, etc. Intelligent Fabrics 200 can downloadthis information wirelessly over the internet or Bluetooth 231.

Motions may be used to share personal information between two peoplewearing Intelligent Fabrics 200. A sensor at the end of a shirt sleevecan detect when two people are shaking hands then automatically exchangevCards from each person's phone. Allowing people to exchange informationwithout having to carry traditional business cards or waste timemanually inputting the information into a smart phone can save lots oftime. People do not want to share personal information with just anyone,so the smart phone of the wearer should allow for this feature to betoggled on and off. Near field communication 232 may also be employed toallow for the exchange of information and transactions. Near fieldcommunications 232 may be based on radio-frequency identification in theIntelligent Fabrics 200 or connections over the internet.

Synchronization with Laundry Cycle

Intelligent Fabrics 200 may employ accelerometers to determine when awashing or drying cycle has completed. Intelligent Fabrics 200 can sendan alert to the phone or another device of the user to let the user knowthat the Intelligent Fabrics 200 are ready to be taken out of the washeror dryer.

Intelligent Hamper

The Intelligent Hamper may alert its owner when there is enough of aspecific type of clothing to be washed efficiently in the washer anddryer. Each article of clothing has an electrical component thatcontains the washing and drying data depending on the type andcomposition of the article. By compiling the data from all articles ofclothing in the hamper, a determination may be made as to whether a newload of laundry should begin. For example, the Intelligent Hamper mayalert the user when fifteen or more articles of clothing of a whitecolor are placed in the Intelligent Hamper. Fifteen is an arbitrarynumber that can be substituted with the optimal number of articles ofclothing for effective and efficient washing and drying. This allows theuser to save money by only running loads of clothing through the washerand dryer when there is enough articles of clothing to make a wash ordry operation worthwhile.

Intelligent Fabrics could also be used to assist a user in the searchfor a particular piece of clothing. For instance, if the user werelooking for his favorite shirt, the user could activate an app on hiscell phone to ask the Intelligent Fabric Device to identify where it is.The Device could determine its location by using GPS, IPS, its locationproximate to other sensors, or by using RSSI or Time of Flight tocalculate distance from the phone.

Weather Sensing

In many areas, the weather can change rapidly from fair weather to badweather. Intelligent Fabrics could be used to predict the weather andsuggest clothing to deal with the weather for the day.

Intelligent Fabrics 200 may have sensors that detect rapid changes inwind, humidity, or temperature conditions. Upon sensing a rapid changein wind, humidity, or temperature conditions in the ambient environment,the device could then alert the user to these changes, who may thenchoose to head to shelter before the rainy or stormy weather strikes orto put on coats or rain gear.

Alternatively, Intelligent Fabrics 200 could query the weather via astandard Internet weather service as the clothes are being chosen anduse that weather report to assist the user in the choice of clothes.Intelligent Fabrics 200 can detect a decrease in barometric pressurethrough an aneroid barometer 212. Small rapid decreases in pressure areusually indicative of rain showers. The aneroid barometer 212 willpredict upcoming bad weather when the barometric pressure has droppedover a period of time.

Once Intelligent Fabrics determines that the weather will be bad, properclothes can be suggested on the user's cell phone. The IntelligentFabrics Device could send an SMS text message, an audio phone message,or send data to an app on the phone suggesting that the user wear rubbersole shoes rather than leather shoes, and take an umbrella and a raincoat.

Intelligent Fabric Automatic Shutdown Modes

The sensors in Intelligent Fabrics 200 may have the ability to power offor sleep during triggered times. Triggered times may include a presetschedule or control from a secondary device such as a smart phone. Othertriggered times may include when Intelligent Clothes enter events inwhich sensor output is not desired. For example, the sensors inIntelligent Fabrics 200 may power off when inside a running car. Thesensors may detect that they are in a running car through sensor outputsor via direct communication with the car computer. An accelerometer 243may detect accelerations due to various vehicle vibrations, such as, thevibration caused by friction between the tires and the road. In oneembodiment, when the car is turned on, the car computer transmits aBluetooth signal that is received by a Intelligent Fabrics receiver 231which powers off (or switches to sleep mode) any sensors in theIntelligent Fabric 200 that were on. When the car is turned off, the carcomputer transmits a Bluetooth signal that is received by an IntelligentFabric receiver 231 which toggles the power to the sensors.

The Intelligent Fabrics 200 may simply power down when the fabric isperfectly still for a period of time. A temperature sensor could be usedin conjunction with the lack of movement to verify that the pants arenot being worn. Or the temperature sensor could be used on its own todetermine if the Intelligent Fabrics 200 are being worn.

The Intelligent Fabrics 200 may automatically power off or switch tosleep mode when placed in a closet. Transmitters with short ranges maybe placed in the closet to send a signal automatically powering allIntelligent Fabrics 200 off or down. In one embodiment, a device withNear Field Communication (“NFC”) is placed proximate to the closet. TheNFC device interfaces with Intelligent Fabrics 200 in the 13.56 MHz RFband. This is an unrestricted NFC band that allows the NFC to establisha connection with Intelligent Fabrics 200 with no required licenses. TheNFC device may be placed in the center of the closet and operate with adistance of 1.5 m. The NFC device transmits a signal that is received byan ISO 15693 NFC chip coupled to the Intelligent Fabrics 200. The ISO15693 NFC chip 232 is eighteen by thirty-six millimeters with athickness of 0.134 millimeters. The small thickness allows the chip tohide discretely in textiles. The NFC protocol is not limited fortoggling the power of sensors within Intelligent Fabrics 200 and can beused for tracking, identifying, or other like functions.

The above description of the embodiments, alternative embodiments, andspecific examples, are given by way of illustration and should not beviewed as limiting. Further, many changes and modifications within thescope of the present embodiments may be made without departing from thespirit thereof, and the present invention includes such changes andmodifications.

1. A method of determining a distance a user has traveled based on footmovement, said method comprising: collecting fabric data from one ormore fabric sensors, said one or more fabric sensors positioned on afabric; sending said fabric data from one or more fabric sensors to aprocessor that is connected to a memory; comparing, using saidprocessor, said fabric data from one or more fabric sensors to referencemovement patterns stored in said memory; determining a movement whensaid fabric data from one or more fabric sensors closely resembles saidreference movement patterns; comparing said movement pattern to a priormovement patterns over a time interval to determine if the fabric sensorhas transitioned from being stationary; collecting movement data untilthe fabric sensor determines, by comparing movement patterns to priormovement patterns, that the fabric has transitioned to being stationary;adding the movement data to a sum of movement data.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the one or more fabric sensors consist of two or morefabric sensors, each positioned on a fabric at a different location onthe fabric.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the transmittingof the running total through a communication system.
 4. The method ofclaim 3 wherein the communications system uses a Bluetooth protocol. 5.The method of claim 1 wherein one or more of the fabric sensors is anaccelerometer.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising the countingof a number of times that the fabric transitions from being stationary.7. A foot movement monitoring apparatus comprising: a fabric; a specialpurpose processor embedded in the fabric, the special purpose processorincluding a memory and a communications subsystem; a fabric sensorembedded in the fabric and electrically connected to the special purposeprocessor using wires embedded into the fabric; reference data stored inthe memory representing movement data patterns; and instructions locatedin the memory for the special purpose processor, the instructionstelling the special purpose processor to compare data from the fabricsensor with the reference data to determine if the fabric sensor ismoving, to calculate a distance that the fabric sensor moves before thefabric sensor stops moving, and to sum the distances.
 8. The apparatusof claim 7 further comprising a second fabric sensor embedded in thefabric and electrically connected to the special purpose processor usingwires embedded into the fabric wherein the fabric sensor is located adifferent location on the fabric.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 furthercomprising second instructions located in the memory for the specialpurpose processor, the second instructions telling the special purposeprocessor to compare data from the second fabric sensor with thereference data to determine if the second fabric sensor is moving, tocalculate a second distance that the second fabric sensor moves beforethe second fabric sensor stops moving, and to sum the second distances.10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising the averaging of thesecond distances with the first distances.
 11. The apparatus of claim 7wherein a number of times that the fabric sensor starts and stops movingis counted.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising acommunication system connected to the special purpose processor.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12 wherein the communications system uses a Bluetoothprotocol.
 14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein one or more of the fabricsensors is an accelerometer.
 15. The apparatus of claim 7 furthercomprising a communication system integrated into the special purposeprocessor.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the communicationssystem uses a Bluetooth protocol.